Former world champion Kamaru Usman is backing against Alexander Volkanovski in his bold second attempt at becoming a UFC double champion – while also suggesting the Australian’s arch rival Islam Makhachev should be ranked ahead of him on the pound for pound rankings.
Speaking with Fox Sports Australia in Abu Dhabi this week, Usman also revealed he would never have fought at UFC 294 this Sunday himself if Israel Adesanya were still middleweight champion.
UFC 294: Makhachev vs Volkanovski 2 | SUN 22nd OCT 5AM AEDT | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports
Why Volk is ‘glad’ about loss to Islam | 01:24
READ MORE
‘He didn’t look happy’: Volk spills on rival’s rogue intimidation attempt — UFC 294 Guide
‘F***ing cowards’: Volkanovski’s spray as cheating allegations rock UFC title fight
In one of the most ballsy plays in Australian fight history, Volkanovski is moving up a weight class on 11 days notice to try and become only the fifth fighter in UFC history to achieve ‘champ champ’ status.
Back in February, the UFC featherweight champ suffered a narrow decision loss in his first attempt at greatness against Makhachev, with Usman again tipping the Dagestani who “is a handful right now”.
In fact, the former UFC welterweight champion suggested Volkanovski would need to pull off an upset equivalent to when Englishman Leon Edwards took his own belt with that famed 2022 head kick.
Usman has himself been parachuted in as a late replacement to face Khamzat Chimaev at Etihad Stadium this weekend, with the winner then said to be guaranteed a shot at Sean Strickland, the new middleweight champ.
Asked for a prediction in the main, Usman said: “I think it’s Islam.
“I think he pulls it out.
“The guy is such a handful right now.
“But the greatest thing about this company is anything can happen, at any time.
“We saw me lose the belt. Who expected that?
“So anything can happen.
“That being said, I definitely think Islam has all the tools.”
So where should Volkanovski sit on the UFC pound for pound rankings then, giving he currently shares top spot alongside UFC heavyweight champ Jon Jones – with Makhachev third.
“I’d have to say Jon is number one,” he said.
“Just because the guy has never really lost.
“So Jon Jones is number one until he retires.
“Then Islam, but it really is a slim margin between he and Volk.
“It’s one you could interchange any day.”
Elsewhere, Usman revealed he would not have taken Sunday’s late call up – and potential middleweight title shot – if Adesanya were still king of the division.
That title changed hands in Sydney only last month, when Strickland secured a shock upset win.
Makhachev plays down ‘big drama’ over IV | 01:27
Asked if he is in Abu Dhabi this week if Adesanya, who like him has Nigerian heritage, still reigned, and Usman replied: “Probably not, no.
“I believe Izzy is still the best middleweight out there.
“But while he is taking a hiatus, why don’t I keep the belt warm for him.”
So as for what happens if you win middleweight gold?
“First I take that welterweight belt,” he said of his old crown.
“Get that ‘champ champ’ status
“I’ll rubber stamp that first, then I’ll probably vacate the middleweight belt.”
So never fight Adesanya?
“No,” he replied.
Islam’s intimidation attempt falls flat | 00:40
“There are some things bigger than money.
“And that would be the only reason for us to fight, a massive amount of money.
“And it would be for a massive amount of money.
“But for me it’s bigger than that.
“Bigger than sports.
“Culturally, we’ve done something that has never been done before.
“And I want to keep it that way.
“We’ve done something that’s bigger than this sport, or entertainment.
“As I’ve said before, having two Nigerians with belts is more important to me than one Nigerian with two belts.”
#Alexander #Volkanovski #Islam #Makhachev #fight #Kamaru #Usman #prediction #pound #pound #Israel #Adesanya
